Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is the ultimate comfort dish that warms your soul and tantalizes your taste buds. Perfect for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings, this soup combines creamy textures with rich flavors. The standout qualities of this recipe include its ease of preparation, the delightful aroma of garlic and herbs, and the mouthwatering sharp cheddar cheese that makes each spoonful irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Hearty: This soup is a warm embrace in a bowl, perfect for any cold day.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner cooks can whip up this delicious dish.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, herbs, and cheddar creates an explosion of flavor that’s sure to please.
• Versatile Garnishing Options: Customize your soup with toppings like bacon, sour cream, or fresh herbs for added flair.
• Great for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for future meals.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe, gather some essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Standard blender or immersion blender
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Provides ample space for cooking and allows for even heat distribution.
• Blender: Essential for achieving that creamy texture while still keeping some potato chunks intact.
• Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts on your ingredients for uniform cooking.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 2.5 lbs (about 1.1 kg) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed into ½-inch pieces (about 6-7 medium potatoes)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter OR 3 tablespoons olive oil + 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1.5 cups)
• 5-6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Liquid Base

• 4 cups (32 fl oz / 950 ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups (16 fl oz / 475 ml) whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
• 1/2 cup (4 fl oz / 120 ml) heavy cream (optional)

For Flavor

• 2 cups (about 8 oz / 225g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)

Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground (or to taste)
• Pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (optional)

For Garnish

• Cooked crumbled Turkey Bacon
• Extra shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• More fresh chives or parsley
• Croutons

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How to Make Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Peel your Yukon Gold potatoes and chop them into uniform ½-inch cubes. Rinse the cubed potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch – this helps prevent the soup from becoming gummy. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the butter (or olive oil/butter combination). Once melted, add the finely chopped yellow onion. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent but not browned.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute or two while stirring constantly until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.

Step 4: Create a Roux

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir continuously and cook for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.

Step 5: Incorporate Broth

Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth little by little while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring it to a simmer after ensuring no lumps remain.

Step 6: Add Potatoes

Add the rinsed potato cubes to the pot. Stir well and bring back to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender enough to pierce easily with a fork.

Step 7: Blend Half of the Soup

Carefully ladle half of the soup into a standard blender. Securely lid it but remove the center cap; cover with a kitchen towel to allow steam to escape. Blend until smooth, then pour back into the remaining chunky soup in the pot.

Step 8: Add Dairy

Reduce heat to low. Slowly pour in whole milk and heavy cream while stirring constantly. Then add parsley, chives, and thyme; stir well to combine.

Step 9: Melt Cheese

Remove from heat completely. Gradually add shredded sharp cheddar cheese one handful at a time, stirring until fully melted before adding more.

Step 10: Final Seasoning

Taste your soup and season with salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper or smoked paprika as desired.

Step 11: Serve

Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish generously with toppings like crumbled Turkey Bacon, extra cheese, sour cream, fresh herbs, or croutons. Enjoy immediately!

How to Serve Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

Serving your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup can elevate the experience, making it even more enjoyable for everyone at the table. Consider these creative serving suggestions to make your meal memorable.

Garnish with Tasty Toppings

• Crumble Turkey Bacon: Add a crispy texture and savory flavor with crumbled turkey bacon on top.
• Extra Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle more sharp cheddar cheese for a cheesy finish, enhancing the soup’s rich taste.
• Fresh Herbs: Use chopped chives or parsley to add brightness and freshness to each bowl.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a slight tang.
• Croutons: Crunchy croutons provide a delightful contrast to the smooth soup.

Pair with Complementary Bread

• Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread alongside the soup to soak up all that delicious broth.
• Crusty Artisan Bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for dipping and adds heartiness to your meal.

How to Perfect Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

For the best results, here are some tips that will help you master this Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes and herbs boost flavor significantly compared to older produce.
• Choose Quality Cheese: Always opt for freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese as it melts better and enhances creaminess.
• Control Heat When Adding Dairy: To prevent curdling, add dairy ingredients slowly over low heat after removing from direct heat.
• Blend Carefully: If using a blender, be cautious when blending hot liquids; vent the lid safely.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning during cooking to achieve your desired flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

A well-paired side dish can enhance your meal. Here are some great options that complement the flavors of your Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup.

1. Simple Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
2. Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables offer an earthy contrast to creamy potato soup.
3. Cheesy Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks with melted cheese make for a delightful, cheesy addition.
4. Stuffed Mushrooms: Flavorful stuffed mushrooms are bite-sized treats that pair well with soup.
5. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil on skewers provide a refreshing touch alongside the soup.
6. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add a hint of sweetness that complements savory flavors perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a creamy and flavorful Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is easy, but a few common mistakes can ruin the experience. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using pre-shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Always opt for freshly shredded sharp cheddar for the best texture.
• Skipping the rinsing step: Failing to rinse the cubed potatoes can lead to a gummy soup. Rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch, ensuring a lighter consistency.
• Overcooking the garlic: Cooking garlic too long can make it bitter. Add minced garlic after the onions are softened, and cook just until fragrant—about 1-2 minutes.
• Not venting the blender: Blending hot soup without venting can cause a dangerous build-up of steam. Always remove the center cap of the blender lid and cover it with a towel to let steam escape safely.
• Adding dairy too quickly: Adding milk or cream too fast can cause curdling. Slowly incorporate dairy into your soup while stirring gently over low heat for the best results.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space in containers as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 30 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between until hot. Use a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if needed for consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make my Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup recipe spicier?

You can add more cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to achieve your desired level of heat. Start with small amounts and adjust according to your taste.

Can I use different types of cheese in this potato soup recipe?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar offers great flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like gouda or Monterey Jack for different tastes and textures.

What are some good toppings for Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup?

Some delicious options include crumbled Turkey Bacon, extra shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh herbs like chives or parsley, and crunchy croutons.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip any meat-based toppings. The flavors remain rich and satisfying!

How do I thicken my potato soup if it’s too thin?

If your soup isn’t thick enough, try mashing some of the potatoes in the pot or adding a slurry made from cornstarch and water. This will help achieve that creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup Recipe is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. Whether you enjoy it on its own or customize it with various toppings, it’s bound to please everyone at your table. Don’t hesitate to modify ingredients based on your preferences; adding vegetables like broccoli or carrots can elevate this dish even further! Try it today and savor its warm goodness!

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Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup

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• Author: Sofia
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves about 6

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Description

Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food that envelops you in warmth and flavor. This creamy soup, rich with Yukon Gold potatoes, aromatic garlic, and sharp cheddar cheese, is perfect for chilly nights or cozy get-togethers. With its straightforward preparation and the option for various toppings, this dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also allows for personal touches based on your preferences. Enjoy a bowl of this velvety goodness, topped with crispy turkey bacon or a dollop of sour cream, and experience pure comfort in every spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (or olive oil)
• 1 large yellow onion
• 5–6 cloves garlic
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half)
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
• Fresh herbs: parsley and chives
• Seasonings: salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (optional)

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Instructions

1. Peel and cube potatoes into ½-inch pieces. Rinse under cold water.
2. In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter or olive oil. Sauté chopped onion for 5-7 minutes until translucent.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Sprinkle flour over the mixture; stir continuously for 1-2 minutes.
5. Gradually whisk in broth and bring to a simmer.
6. Add potato cubes; cover and cook for 15–20 minutes until tender.
7. Blend half the soup until smooth; mix back into the pot.
8. Stir in milk and heavy cream (if using), along with fresh herbs.
9. Remove from heat; gradually mix in shredded cheddar until melted.
10. Season to taste with salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne.
11. Serve hot with desired garnishes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: For added richness, replace part of the milk with half-and-half. Customize toppings with crumbled bacon or extra cheese for a fun twist. To make vegetarian-friendly, simply use vegetable broth.